Christmas Around Compton — Part Two

In the midst of stormy weather, the neighbors on Peck Street gathered for a neighborhood Christmas dinner the weekend before Christmas. Two huge tents provided shelter, City Church of Compton provided the ham, and each individual family brought a side dish. Although the clouds cleared a bit in the morning before the event was to begin, the sky poured down in buckets when people started arriving! No matter — people came in their coats, carrying umbrellas, food, and children along the way. All in all around 130 people gathered together. No one seemed to care much about the rain, the cold weather, or the rain dripping between the tents!

It was a beautiful picture of what has been happening on Peck Street. Just last year at this time, gang members hanging out on the street dictated much of what was happening in the neighborhood. Break-ins were common and people feared going out at night.

However, in the past several months, folks are saying that a tangible peace has descended onto the street. The gang members have been banished, neighbors are moving about more freely, and people are starting to know each other better. It’s a slow transformation, but a transformation none the less.